Make Your Walls Beautiful with Decorative Stencils

[Dave]

Supplies:


stencil of your choice

stencil adhesive or painters tape

acrylic paints

stencil brushes or sponges

paper plate/palette

papertowels

a wall in your home


Before you begin, wash the walls free of any dust, grime, or dirt. Fill in any holes or cracks. Be sure the wall is dry before beginning.


There are many stencils available, some are intricate and some are simple in design. The more intricate designs have 2 or more overlays. Many paints are also available, such as acrylics(which we use here), oil pots and oil sticks. Acrylics are easy to clean up from the stencil and the brushes.


Place your stencil on the wall using the adhesive or tape to hold it in place. Start in the corner of the wall so no one can see where it begins. Squeeze a small puddle of paint onto the paper plate or palette. Dip the brush into the paint and tap onto the paper towel several times until the brush is dry. You don't need a large amount of paint on your brush to stencil. Put the brush against the stencil and tap the paint in the stencil design, tapping continuously until the desired depth of color is reached. Instead of tapping you could also swirl the brush in the stencil. If using the sponge instead of the brush, the process is the same. Dip the sponge into the paint and dab onto the paper towel. Use the same tapping or swirling motion with the sponge. Be sure to sure separate brushes/sponges for each color used.


A top coat of acrylic varnish or polyurethane isn't necessary unless the stencil is going to be touched by hands/fingertips, such as on light switches. If you need to use polyurethane, be sure it is non-yellowing. Apply the polyurethane with a paintbrush after the wall has dried for twenty-four hours. Apply 2-3 coats to the wall, letting each coat dry in between.


If using acrylic paints, clean up is done with soap and water. Be gentle when washing the stencils, as to not tear the stencil. Wash the brush and let dry. Put in a plastic baggy to keep it from drying out.


Then stand back and admire your walls!! Be ready for all the compliments!